3 Players Who Can Help India Win Champions Trophy Final vs New Zealand

Debashis Sarangi

India are facing NZ in Champions Trophy final [Source: AP]India are facing NZ in Champions Trophy final [Source: AP]

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India and New Zealand are currently engaged in a riveting battle in the Champions Trophy final at Dubai International Stadium. Led by Rohit Sharma, India have been unbeaten in the tournament, while the Kiwis have lost a single match, coincidentally from the Men in Blue. 

India sustained their toss-losing streak, as New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bat first. As both teams are contesting in a high-profile game, here are three players who could be India's game-changers in this match. 

1. Virat Kohli

  • Legendary Indian batter Virat Kohli is in sublime form in the Champions Trophy. In four matches, Kohli has struck 217 runs at an average of 72.33 and a strike rate of 83.14. 
  • Kohli has enjoyed stellar success as an ODI batter while chasing. Known as the chase master, he has amassed 8063 runs at an average of 64.50 and a strike rate of 93.24. 
  • More importantly, Kohli hammered match-winning knocks against Pakistan and Australia while chasing. As it's a high-pressure game, India would be hoping a game-changing innings from their most reliable batter. 

2. Hardik Pandya

  • Veteran Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been impressive in the Champions Trophy. Apart from scoring 81 runs and scalping four wickets. 
  • As the track is slightly on the drier side, Pandya's cutters and slow bouncers could be handy, especially with the older ball. 
  • If India lose some early wickets, Pandya can stabilise the innings. He has previously performed in clutch moments, be it the 2017 Champions Trophy final or the 2024 T20 World Cup final. He can also turn things as an accelerator, having the ability to smash the ball out of the park with brute power. 

3. Varun Chakravarthy

  • India's experienced spinner Varun Chakravarthy is in prolific form. Since 1st January 2024, Chakravarthy has scalped 39 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 12.66 and a strike rate of 11.6. 
  • More importantly, Chakravarthy dismantled New Zealand's batting unit in the last game. He bagged a five-wicket haul as India defeated the BlackCaps by a convincing margin. 
  • So, considering his red-hot form, we expect Chakravarthy to play a significant role in the Champions Trophy final.